The WPI Department of Athletics is proud to continue its 2025–2026 Athletics Celebration, a daily series highlighting the top moments from each varsity program's season. The celebration will also recognize each team's Ray Cherenzia '73 Award honoree and selected programs' major award winners, as chosen by WPI Athletics' head coaches.

Top Moment: Engineers Earn NCAA Tournament At-Large Bid
WPI earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament, extending another outstanding season into the national postseason. The Engineers entered the bracket at 21–5 after winning the NEWMAC regular-season championship and were selected to face Amherst in the opening round at Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The selection marked WPI's 14th NCAA Tournament appearance in 22 seasons under head coach Chris Bartley and the 16th national postseason berth in program history. After advancing to the Elite Eight in 2022 and the Sweet 16 in 2025, the bid reinforced the program's continued place among the region's premier teams.
NCAA Tournament Selection Release

Senior Day Reflection: Five Engineers Honored
WPI recognized J.R. Newman, Matt Morvillo, Adam Patterson, Nicholas Margetson and Tim Reidy before the regular-season finale against Wheaton inside Harrington Auditorium. The pregame ceremony celebrated the commitment, leadership and impact of a group that helped sustain the program's standard of excellence on the court and in the classroom.

The Engineers followed the ceremony with a balanced 77–72 victory. Reidy scored 14 points, Morvillo added 13 on perfect 5-for-5 shooting and Newman contributed 10, while Margetson finished with eight. The performance provided a fitting home tribute to the five honorees as WPI completed the regular season with a sixth consecutive victory.
Men's Basketball Senior Day Recap
 
Ray Cherenzia '73 Award Recipient: Matt Morvillo
Matt Morvillo was selected as the men's basketball program's recipient of the Ray Cherenzia '73 Award. The honor is presented to a member of each varsity team who exemplifies the spirit of an "unsung hero"—someone who works hard every day, puts the team first over personal goals and performs the often-unrecognized responsibilities that are vital to the team's success.

Morvillo's selection recognizes the commitment, selflessness and character demonstrated throughout his career. The senior contributed in every phase of the program and represented WPI with distinction in competition, in the classroom and in the community while helping the Engineers reach the NCAA Tournament.
 

Phil Grebinar Award Recipient: Justin Molen
The Phil Grebinar Award is presented to the outstanding male athlete in the junior class. Justin Molen was selected as the 2025–2026 recipient following a distinguished season in which he led WPI in scoring, rebounding and assists while helping the Engineers post a 21–6 record, capture the NEWMAC regular-season title and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

Molen was voted NEWMAC Men's Basketball Athlete of the Year and earned NABC and D3hoops.com All-Region First Team recognition before being named a College Sports Communicators Third Team Academic All-American. A chemical engineering major with a GPA above 3.8, Molen also served on WPI's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for two years.



Additional Season Honors
WPI defeated Emerson to reach the 20-win mark and secure the top seed in the NEWMAC Tournament, continuing a late-season surge that carried the Engineers to the regular-season title.
20th Victory and NEWMAC Top Seed

Molen was voted NEWMAC Athlete of the Year, while Tim Reidy and Nathan Bledsoe joined him on the All-NEWMAC teams following standout regular seasons.
NEWMAC Postseason Awards

Molen collected Region II First Team honors from both D3hoops.com and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, recognizing his all-around impact.
Molen Earns Regional First Team Recognition

Four Engineers were selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, continuing the program's record of achievement in the classroom.
CSC Academic All-District Team

Molen was named to the CSC Academic All-America Third Team, combining national-level athletic performance with outstanding academic achievement.
Molen Named CSC Academic All-American

Five members of the program earned NEWMAC Academic All-Conference recognition for their work in the classroom.
NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team

Morvillo represented WPI men's basketball on the NEWMAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team.
NEWMAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team

WPI earned the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award, and eight Engineers were named to the NABC Honors Court.
NABC Team Academic Excellence and Honors Court

The 2025–2026 WPI Athletics Celebration will continue with features highlighting each of the Engineers' varsity programs. Follow WPI Athletics on Instagram (@wpiathletics), Facebook and X (@WPIAthletics) to keep up with the series.

Fans can also follow WPI Men's Basketball on Instagram (@wpimensbasketball) and X (@wpimbasketball) for the latest program news and updates.